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May, 2024
June, 2024
Learn why you should start your probiotics journey with Bio-K+
Our scientifically proven formulas are designed to support your unique health journey
Probiotics are among the most commonly used supplements during pregnancy. This page is an educational resource, not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement during pregnancy.
Current research suggests probiotics don’t appear to pose safety concerns for pregnant women, a conclusion from a review by the Motherisk Team at the Hospital for Sick Children, published in Canadian Family Physician (PMC3056676). Probiotics from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are rarely absorbed systemically in healthy individuals, unlikely to reach the bloodstream or fetus. A meta-analysis across 11 studies and 1,505 patients found no effect on Cesarean section rate, birth weight, or gestational age.
While safety data for Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium during pregnancy are generally reassuring, evidence of specific pregnancy benefits is mixed. A 2024 systematic review found no clear benefit for outcomes such as preeclampsia (AJOG MFM, 2024). The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada does not include probiotics in its maternal nutrition guidelines. Effects are likely strain- and dose-specific. Anyone pregnant should discuss probiotic use with their healthcare provider.
Pregnancy involves significant changes to the gut microbiome; the balance of gut bacteria shifts across trimesters as a normal physiological process. Many women also use food-form probiotics: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are common sources of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Research confirms that orally administered probiotics can reach the vaginal environment via the gastrointestinal tract (PMC3056676). Probiotics are unlikely to transfer into breast milk, which is relevant for women considering postpartum use.
A varied, fiber-rich diet supports gut microbiome diversity during pregnancy. Vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruit all contribute. Fermented foods with live bacterial cultures, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, are natural sources of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Adequate hydration and consistent sleep also influence gut microbiome health. When adding a daily probiotic during pregnancy, discuss the choice with a healthcare provider and look for full strain transparency and potency guaranteed until expiry.
Look for the complete strain name, genus, species, and alphanumeric designation, not just "Lactobacillus blend." Confirm the live bacterial count is guaranteed until the best-before or expiry date, not at manufacture. Most safety research in pregnancy has used Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. If a Canadian product makes pregnancy-specific claims, verify its Health Canada NPN. Always discuss the product with your healthcare provider.
In Canada, probiotic supplements are regulated as Natural Health Products; each must hold an approved NPN and may only carry authorized claims. No Canadian probiotic holds a Health Canada-approved claim for pregnancy or any pregnancy-related outcome. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada does not include probiotics in its maternal nutrition guidelines. Approved claims relate to intestinal flora health and gastrointestinal support. Verify any product's NPN and authorized claim language.
Bio-K+ Daily Care+ capsules contain 25 billion live and active bacteria, guaranteed until expiry, helping support gastrointestinal health. Original drinkables contain 50 billion, guaranteed until expiry, contributing to intestinal flora health. Women's Health Capsules, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1™ and Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14™, help restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora and reduce yeast and bacteria on vaginal surfaces. No pregnancy-specific claim is made. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement during pregnancy.
Current research, including a review by the Motherisk Team at the Hospital for Sick Children published in Canadian Family Physician, indicates that probiotics from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera do not appear to pose safety concerns for pregnant women. Systemic absorption is rare in healthy individuals, and randomized controlled trials have not reported increases in adverse fetal outcomes. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or continuing any supplement during pregnancy.
There is no single best probiotic for all pregnant women. Look for full strain names, a CFU guarantee until the expiry date, and a product from a brand with published research on its specific strains. Most safety research in pregnancy has used Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. No Canadian probiotic holds a Health Canada-approved pregnancy-specific claim. Discuss any product with your healthcare provider before starting.
Constipation is a common discomfort during pregnancy. Research on probiotics specifically for pregnancy constipation is limited, and results vary by strain and individual. A diet rich in fiber and adequate hydration is the most well-established approach for managing digestive comfort during pregnancy. If digestive discomfort is a concern, discuss options with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your routine.
Yogurt with live and active bacterial cultures is a well-established food source of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and is generally considered safe during pregnancy as part of a balanced diet. Pasteurized yogurt is preferred during pregnancy to avoid food safety concerns. Probiotic yogurt contributes to gut flora health and can complement a daily probiotic supplement.
Research indicates that probiotics are unlikely to transfer into breast milk, as confirmed by the Motherisk review published in Canadian Family Physician. Current evidence suggests that probiotics from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera are well tolerated during breastfeeding. As with pregnancy, always discuss any supplement with your healthcare provider before use during the breastfeeding period.
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